I first experienced sciatica in the latter stages of my first pregnancy; some 28years ago. I found it extremely painful and debilitating; My doctor advised bed rest for the remaining few weeks of my pregnancy, which to a very active person did not go down well!

My lower back pain and sciatica continued for many years, I tried various physical therapies; from soft tissue massage to the more aggressive manipulation of chiropractors and osteopaths; I also used heat/ice packs, pain medication and physiotherapy stretching exercises. Nothing seemed to fully relieve my symptoms, I continued to live with constant low level nagging pain to the excruciating unable to move pain!

Eight years ago I was recommended to a Bowen therapist, who after a number of treatments, was able to relieve my long-term pain and symptoms. So why has this therapy been so successful for me and many others. I was so amazed by the relief I experienced..... I trained to become a Bowen therapist!

Bowen is a form of soft tissue manipulation, releasing muscle tension and impingements throughout the body. These subtle adjustments allow the body to release tension and re-align naturally, regular sessions over a period of time can have a significant effect on the rebalancing of the muscular skeletal system.

The sciatic nerve is widest and longest single nerve in your body. It is made up of two nerves, originating in the lumbar spine at the back of pelvis, running through your buttocks, down the back of your legs between the hamstrings; travelling around the front of the leg below the knee; before splitting into to two parts: forming the tibia and common perineal nerves.

Pain can be caused by pressure or inflammation on the nerve, this can range from mild - intermittent: to excruciating- constant. Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom. It has been estimated, that 40% of people, will experience sciatica at least once during their lifetime.

Pain is felt when there is entrapment of the sciatic nerve, usually when soft tissues exerts inappropriate pressure; such as the Piriformis muscle, squeezing the nerve and causing a deep burning pain in the middle of the buttocks. In 12-15% of people the Piriformis is split with the nerve going through the this muscle. Deep muscles can also squeeze on the sciatic nerve. Compression pain occurs when hard tissue, such as the spine exerts inappropriate pressure on the nerves, such as the spine rubbing onto a nerve root. Piriformis syndrome usually stays in one place, while sciatic pain also travels down the leg.

It has been estimated that 40% of people will experience sciatica at least once during their life, with ‘Acute Sciatica’ lasting approximately 4-8 weeks, ‘Chronic Sciatica’ being present for 8 wks or more. Many cases have no obvious cause, any irritation of the nerve initiates pain. However, generally it is thought that any combination of heavy lifting/manual work, sedentary lifestyle, long periods of sitting and also pregnancy can all exacerbate the nerve.

Prevention is the best cure! Exercise for core strength. Maintain correct posture during movement, especially when lifting. Never sit with keys or a wallet in your pocket! Buy a suitable mattress/pillow, which supports the spine, during sleep. Book yourself a course of Bowen!

A growing number of amateur/professional sportsmen and women are utilising Bowen Technique, as an addition to their training regime; not only to bring rapid relief from muscular tension and injuries, but also as an aid to improve performance.“Bowen has helped my body to recover quicker after games and intense training. It’s great” Jamie Peacock Leeds Rhino’s & England Captain.

The engagement of alternative therapists by sports professionals is not uncommon, the benefits have been recognised in both America and Australia for many years, with regular use during routine training and also as an addition to the rehabilitation of injuries. "The Bowen Technique helps break records in golf and prevents, as well as treats, golf related injuries."Dr. Jo Anne Whitaker -2 times time winner of the Florida Amateur GolfChampionship

Injuries can occur for many reasons, insufficient warming up, increased activity,working beyond your current fitness level, reoccurrence of old injuries, over training and accidents. Sports people are discovering that regular Bowen work enhances performance and reduces the incidence of injury. When soft tissue damage occurs, this modality can also bring rapid relief and a speedy return to training.

Other observations that have been noted are increased stride length, improvement in fluidity and also general coordination. Many professional athletes are gaining confidence in the benefits of regular Bowen sessions to also help with training and injury prevention.“The quality of my training is better, with the same number of hours and level of training. I have noticed significant physical performance benefits as well as improvements in general well being. The effects of each treatment continue to surprise me.” GB Triathlete Victoria Gill 2014(Caroline Kremer, London)“Bowen greatly benefits my training and performance, providing me with regular personal bests” Frankie Snape 6th Women 25-29 Iron Man 2014

A study conducted at Coventry University showed the application of the Bowen Technique to have improved the long-term flexibility of hamstrings significantly, after only one treatment. The study tracked the physical progress of 116 people whose hamstring performance was first measured electronically while performing a straight leg raise. They were then treated once and followed up with a second measurement after seven days. Julian Baker, Director of The European College of Bowen Studies said of the results “I’m astonished by the long-term effects of this therapy treatment. I had expected some of the immediate improvements to drop away but for most of those taking part in the study the effect of the Bowen therapy to maintain and increase their flexibility was a real surprise. Research from the trial shows that not only did Bowen Treatment significantly increase hamstring flexibility but these changes held and even further increased over seven days without further treatment.Reference: ‘Effects of The Bowen Technique on Flexibility Levels: Implications for Fascial Plasticity’Published in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies July 2011

Professional Motorcycle Racer (2003 World Endurance Champion)An avid user of Bowen Therapy, James Ellison has submitted an inspiring testimonial explaining how he relies on the Bowen Technique to stay sharp for his career and claims how it has been a life changing experience for him. (Bowen Kendal)The Bowen Technique uses a gentle rolling action over the soft tissue of muscles, tendons and fascia to potentially create a signal to the brain. 21st Century science is beginning to demonstrate a nonintrusive approach with no adjustment or manipulation can aid a balance in the body.Fascia is an elastic and often inelastic structural system that encompasses, wraps around and contributes to stability, flexibility, function and movement. Fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body.Paula Esson, Principal CBS (previously Head of Sports Science at Gateshead College), also Director of the Northern Integrative Health Practice‘Improvement with Bowen in sports is superb – the player is better focused and more in tune with his/her own body’s performance. If the body is in balance and the musculo-skeletal system is recruiting in the right order the player is mentally free and more fluid to concentrate and focus on the game. It is almost as if you can take a step back from yourself and you can focus on the game tactics with greater clarity’.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21665103Injuries can happen to anyone, most people experience injuries, such as sprained ankles and muscular pain so why book a course of Bowen Technique, you may be surprised! I certainly was, I suffered chronic back pain for many years as competition rider

Common presentations Bowen has been observed to help:Pain management, Sports Injuries, Acute & Chronic Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder,Tennis & Golf Elbow. Relief is regularly felt immediately.Chronic conditions may take longer than the average 4 sessions. Treatment plans are decided on physical assessment.

Client Testimonial

"Coming from a medical background myself I am always skeptical of some alternate therapies, but this has really altered my beliefs and confidence in such a treatment. Bowen therapy has helped me enormously where physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractor and even acupuncture have failed. I am eternally grateful to Karen for the sustained relief from pain and would recommend this therapy to any one with similar problems"​DR Alison P

The Bowen Technique is not a replacement for medical advice. Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your health prior to booking.